Call for strict licensing, deterrent action to prevent tipper lorry accidents

Various stakeholders say the recurring fatal accidents involving dump trucks in Kerala have once again highlighted the need to reduce overloading, ensure roadworthiness of cargo carriers and tighten the licensing process for drivers of heavy vehicles.

A few days ago, three people lost their lives when a speeding truck crashed into a bus stop and a motorcycle in Nileshwaram of Kottarakkara. It was later determined that the vehicle’s rear tires were worn out and were carrying more than twice the permitted load. It was also revealed that the driver who caused the accident was inexperienced and did not have a heavy vehicle license.

“This is a clear example of the driver’s incompetence and lack of experience,” said Sibi Mathai, a researcher in road safety and behavioral psychology. “The licensing system in India allows anyone who obtains a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) license driving an 800cc car to drive a dump truck carrying a load of 7.5 tonnes or more. It is time the Motor Vehicles department (MVD) insisted that school bus and truck drivers have at least three years of driving experience apart from practical training in operating such vehicles. Since the MVD is short-staffed, commercial vehicles need to be certified as fit. It is authorized as is done in Europe.” “It is done by workshops,” he said.

He added that vehicles older than 15 years should not be allowed to be operated as school buses or freight vehicles. He said older vehicles often experience serious problems with their braking systems, suspensions and chassis, caused by worn tires.

Attributing repeated dump truck accidents to the “unholy nexus” between dumper and truck operators and enforcement personnel, All Kerala Truck Owners Association president KA Anoop expressed concern over the failure of MVD and police authorities to take deterrent measures such as suspending driving licenses and permits of dump trucks and other cargo carriers found carrying excessive loads.

“The Kerala High Court had taken action against such vehicles in 2019. With the MVD and police doing little, the Association filed a contempt petition. Of the more than a dozen subsequent Supreme Court orders, none have been implemented. As a result, dangerously overloaded goods carriers continue to travel freely even on roads near RTO offices and District Police Chiefs offices,” Mr. Anoop said.

Transport Commissioner Nagaraju C. said efforts were being made to prevent such violations. “Most of MVD’s 950 uniformed enforcement personnel are busy in issuing driving licenses and vehicle fitness certificates. Their strength needs to be increased to enforce the rules effectively, especially as the number of vehicles registered in Kerala is expected to cross two million by 2027. Portable sensor-based weighbridges are also needed to deter overloading,” he said.